HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: We love the taste of crispy bacon. Disposing of hot fat can be a problem. When the end edge of the package of my uncooked bacon has at least an inch or more of solid fat, I use my kitchen shears and cut that cold, solid fat off and throw it in the trash while it is still cold and solid. When I cook my bacon, it has less fat to melt.

— Sid, via email

DEAR HELOISE: I really enjoy your hints and recipes, especially the recipe for making cookies using a box of cake mix. Unfortunately, I have misplaced your recipe. Could you please reprint it?

— Margaret D., Texas DEAR READER: The cookies from cake mix is one of our most often-requested recipes, so here it is:

You’ll need:

1 box cake mix

2 eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix ONLY the above ingredients in a large bowl until blended. Drop the batter by spoonsful onto an ungreased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Put the baking sheet on a middle rack. Bake for 8-10 minutes. You must watch them carefully because they will brown quickly. Ovens vary, so stand by for the first batch.

FYI: Choose any flavor cake mix you’d like and add up to ¼ cup of chopped nuts, raisins or chocolate chips.

DEAR HELOISE: My family and I feel it’s important to reuse everything we can and to repurpose items. I buy dried fruit and nuts in re-closable bags. These bags are wonderful for packing carrot sticks, celery, pickles or crackers.

— Cody in Vermont

DEAR HELOISE: I always have leftover hot dog buns after a barbeque, but I never know what to do with them. Any suggestions?

— Jodi in Utah DEAR READER: Just slice them into sticks, butter them and sprinkle on a little Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Place on a baking sheet and toast them in your oven until golden brown.

DEAR HELOISE: I use my toaster oven all the time. When I’m heating up dinner or some leftovers, I place my plate on top of the toaster oven, and while my dinner is getting heated, so is my plate. This helps keep my food warm for a longer period of time.

— Ellen in Oregon Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email